2012 ISAT Science Assessment November 2011 Pam Stanko ISBE Science Principal Consultant

2012 ISAT Window Regular Test Window: March 5–16, 2012 Check the following link for more details about modifying the test window dates: http://www.isbe.net/assessment/pdfs/2012/isat/test_window_waiver_2012.pdf

2012 Science ISAT Assessment Item formats: 82 Multiple Choice (MC) questions Field-test items within the test Four answer choices for MC at all grades Two 45-minute* sessions All science standards assessed Approx. 10% of the test is devoted to each standard * Plus up to 10 additional minutes for all students

Science ISAT and NCLB All states were mandated to assess science by 2008 IL already had science assessments at grades 4, 7 and 11 Science is not used for AYP

Linguistically Modified (LM) ISAT in Math and Science for LEP Students LM ISAT form will be available for 2012 Only for ISAT math and science Only for LEP students who qualify Text modified for LEP students Simplified English text Extended and Short Response math items presented in both Spanish and English LM form developed by IL educators and ELL specialists who reviewed and modified the math and science ISAT items

Linguistically Modified (LM) ISAT in Math and Science for LEP Students LEP students taking the LM form will receive ISAT scores for math and science but not SAT 10 scores Reason: If SAT 10 items are altered, a norm-referenced score cannot be given LEP students using the LM form will still receive SAT 10 scores for reading since the reading test is the same in both the LM ISAT and ISAT.

Testing Policies and Prohibitions Must be administered uniformly across the state Read and use Test Administration Manual Read the Professional Testing Practices for Educators Supervise students during testing Do not help students with test items Do not read any part of the science test to students unless it is in their IEP. If it’s in their IEP, test the student(s) separately.

Test Preparation Suggestions Be familiar with the Illinois Learning Standards and the Assessment Frameworks Integrate test-taking skills into regular classroom instruction Be familiar with and practice multiple-choice items with students Create a positive atmosphere for testing and adopt a “do your best” attitude with students

Improving Science Scores Teach science: Use inquiry, use the ILS and fit the Framework objectives into the curriculum Spread the Framework objectives across grades, not just for 4 and 7 Use Item Analysis Summary and School Performance Profile to find strengths and weaknesses

ISAT Report Templates ISAT report templates are available online at http://www.isbe.net/assessment/isat.htm

Sample Books and Interactive Items The 2011-2012 Sample Books are posted. No new sample items will be added for 2012 and hard copies are no longer mailed to schools. The 2011-2012 Interactive ISAT items are posted online at www.isbe.net/assessment/htmls/sample_books.htm

Sample Items: Grade 4

Sample Items: Grade 7

Questions? Pam Stanko ISBE Science Principal Consultant Email: pstanko@isbe.net Web: www.isbe.net/assessment/ISAT and www.isbe.net/assessment/science.htm 100 North First Street, E-216 Springfield, Illinois 62777 1-866-317-6034 www.isbe.net/assessment